Accounting, checking, and punch-re-cording system



June 6, 1939. J. P. BUCKLEY 2,161,280

AQCOUNTING, CHECKING, AND PUNCH-RECORDING SYSTEM Filed June 28, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet l 335 (J-ZED IT CARD RTMELNT STORE.

AMOUNT gym/vented JQHN P. BUCKLEX. zwzb m dttoum June 6, 1939. J. P. BUCKLEY ACCOUNTING, CHECKING. AND PUNCHRECORDTNG SYSTEM Filed June 28, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor A ltorney June 6, 1939. J. P. BUCKLEY ACCOUNTING, CHECKING. AND PUNCH-RECORDTNG SYSTEM 4 Sheeis-Sheet 5 Filed June 28, 1957 FIG. 8.

JOHN 7 BUCKLELY.

June 6, 1939. J. P. BUCKLEY ACCOUNTING, CHECKING. AND PUNCH-RECORDING SYSTEM "Filed June 28,

1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 JOHN F? BUCKLEY.

\8; ha E Patented June 6, 1939 PATENT OFFICE ACCOUNTING, CHECKING, AND

CORDING SYSTEM Poison-aa- John P. Buckley, Washington, D. 0. Application June as, 1931, Serial No. 150,857

29 Olaimi.

This invention relates to an apparatus whereby desired information may be obtained from a remote point with a minimum loss of time and consists of a dialing station from which impulses may be electrically transmitted to a central offlce wherein is housed certain apparatus for automatically imparting desired information through a signal light which will indicate the customers standing by dialing his credit number.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this character including a dialing system at the sending station having printing means associated therewith for printing symbols in blank spaces provided upon a sales slip or voucher and also means for transmitting electrical impulses over a circuit to the ofllce where mechanism will'be actuated to punch a card and print corresponding symbols simultaneously upon the card, whereby a duplicate record of the sale transaction may be made and reserved.

Another object of the invention is to insure positive identification of the customer by requiring his signature on a perforated card. When the card is presented for making a purchase not only is the dialing monitored in accordance with the customer's number but also the identity may be verified by having the customer sign the voucher.

Another object of the invention is to so construct the apparatus that while the sending mechanism will be manually operated from a dial, resembling a dial such as provided upon automatic telephone system, the mechanism at the remote office will selectively adopt a customers credit number upon a wired board which, after dialing the last digit, signals back on press ing a button, to the sales person a complete understanding of the customer's status.

Another object of the invention is to create a dialing system composed of dialing units so connected with each other with respect to a small group of two-motion switches, selectively wired, in the remote station, that any one of the group of dialing units may solely select the two-motion switches without the interference of any one of the other dialing units.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: I

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the sending apparatus.

Figure 2 is a sectional view, taken vertically through the sending apparatus.

Figure 2a.is a fragmentary view of a projecting arm from the dial shaft.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevation view of the record board.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the punch-print mechanism.

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of Fig. 4.

Figure 6 is a view showing the front end of the punch print apparatus; the table top is shown in section.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the bars compomg the punching unit, as through the line, H of Fig. 4.

Figure 8 is a view of the striking arm associated'with the solenoid printing and tripping means.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing connection of the dialing units and their connections, together with the two-motion switches in the remote station and the record board.

The numeral l designates the case having the usual six sides to make up a box. Five of the sides composing the front 2, rear 2', bottom 3. top 4, side 4 are shown in Fig. 2 with the side omitted for a view of the several parts of the mechanism inside the case. Depending from the top and fixed thereto are the straps 5 and i which, as shown, support the solenoid I, having an armature 8, the forward end of which is provided with the slot 9, in which the upper part of the trigger III is housed and is drawn backward by the pin ii, when the armature is retracted. The bottom portion of the trigger has the forked end I! so shaped to engage the pin l3, through upright rod l4, journalled in bearing l5, and supported by the arm I, attached to the strap 6 of the solenoid. The upper end of the rod H is provided with the striker H, which, when the solenoid is energized, strikes upwardly and, in engaging the voucher i1, inked ribbon I 8 strikes against one of the symbols [4 of the dialing mechanism to form an impression of the symbol or the face of the voucher. The ribbon is actuated in a step-by-step motion for presenting a fresh portion of the ribbon to the striker by the cam i9, which is fixed on the shaft 42, to engage the arm pivoted on the standard 2|, leading out from the casing. The lower portion of the shaft 20' loosely engages the driving rod 22' slidably bearing in the standard projection 23' while the outer end extends beyond the fixed pawl 24' to journal in the projection 25' extending from the casing.

The ribbon mechanism just described and the dialing and card checking mechanism hereinafter described are housed and supported by the upper case 304. At the lower outer edge of the case is the hinge bracket 3, the latterbeing pivoted, see Fig. 2, to the hingebracket 33'! provided at the upper outer'edge of lowercase 4;

Therear portion of the bottomfloi: the 3 3 4 extends outwardly, upwardly and inwardly; to

the case in order vto support,}witli lthe'aid of the insulation bracket 345, the plate 52. I

- .The spring depressedpawl, '24i eng8 j.the ratchet 25' which is tired onthe"shaft"2'l' car- ,journalled in'bearing 2|, attached tothe case.

At the bottomof the shaft 24 is shown the rockable arm 22 (Fig. 1) which is pivoted as at '23. on the projecting angle 24 fixed to the shaft 23. The rockable arm 22 is.for the purpose of allowing the flange It to pass inwardly withoutdisturbing the escapement as when the solenoid becomes energized; in this case the rear of the. arm 22 rises above the pin -25 on the angle 24; The reverse movement of thearmature, however, as when the solenoid is deenergized and the spiral sprin "forces the armature outward, to cause the flange to depress the, arm. against pin 25, when 1 the whole becomes an integral part to move the escapement 13 by one step-up motion.

The spring 25' depresses the forward end of the" escapement in mesh with the. ratchet 21, cut in the side of the bar 23, which also carries the rackbar 23, beneath its surface. The bar 23 is provided at one end with the handle 33, and is free to slide in the groove 3| of'the top of the case. Extending outwardly from the bar '23" and attached thereto is the arm 328 which has at its outer end upwardly extending portions 329and 330. At the top of extension 333 is provided a conventional clamp 33| adapted to receive the customer's card 3|. The bar 23 is also normally tensioned backwardly under control of the escapement through the spiral spring32, one end of which is anchored to bearing 33, while the other end, surrounding the shaft 34, is attached to the gear 35. The shaft is revolvably supported bywthe bearing 33 and 31. The bar is also provided with the spring clip 33,. through which means the voucher is clampedin proper position for printing and thereafter, with each electrical impulse from the movable stop 43 to the solenoid 'L becomes a part of the step-by-step movement of the bar until all of the columns have been printed on the voucher, when the bar will have come to rest at its farthest backward movement. The insulation'strip 23" fixed to the side of the bar engages the insulated brush 23",

after thecredit number has been dialed and .servesto breakthe current through the two-motion switches at a time when only printing of the voucher and punching of the card is wanted.

The, insulated brush is shown, note Fig. 9, electrically contactingwith the metallic portion of the bar, which in contacting'with the wall, 4' of the case I, forms a portion of the groundsystem 2| 3 which may be controlled by the switch 2|9. The finger plate 43', in this particular case, has

the .usual ten openings 4] and is rigidly supported .on the shaft 42, which extends downward to the J disc 43,jcarrying.the symbols 44, which, as a group, represents similar symbols, 'as'might be visible through the openings 4|, printed on top of the plate 45 of the case 45' The two sets of symbols and 45 are therefore synchron ze although they may not be in true alignment with respect to their starting point. The movable finger stop 40 is resiliently held forward by the spring 4'I,j.surround ing the shaft 48, which is suitably iournalled to the side of the case. Extending" therefrom andforming a part of the shaft isthe projecting arm 43 which is made to force'tlie two blades of the switch 33 intoeleetrical contact-when the movable finger stop is engaged. 7

Progressively downward on the shaft 42, and; meshing withthe'teeth 5|! of the bar 5|, journalled in the bearing 52'and sideof frame 53, is the gear 54, at the end of the bar is the hinge 55, which flexibly supports the spring depressed contact arm 55, having a metallic ball 51, held loosely and made captive by several crowfeet 58, for the purpose that, when'the customers punched card 53, identifying his credit number 60, previously punched in accepting thev card, is introduced into the grooves 333. and 334 on-the table 62 and clamped at 33| and is thus properly aligned'with the travel of arm 56 and arranged to beadvanced step-by-step with the voucher as each digit 1 of thecustomers numberv is dialed.

As theproper digits are dialed the contact ball 51 will successively make electrical contact with the plate 62 through theholes in the customer's card. This action in each instance completes a circuit through the solenoid 1 and the magnet 65, which circuit may be traced by the source 66 (Fig. 9) and from the negative side, of source by'conductor 61, bar 5|, ball 5l,table 62, conductor H, through theflnger stop switch 39, thence through conductor 13 to solenoid I and through conductor "to magnet 65 and by conloosely connected with the link 84, which loosely connects with the top end of the pawl, and when forced onward disengages the lowerend of the pawl from the teeth of the bar. Should an error occur in dialing a number and the number be less in value than the right number tobedialed, the finger plate need onlyto be turned further on until the ball contacts with the table through one of the holes'in the card when the magnet 65 will become energized tdrlease the pawl 18.

When'released the spiral spring 85 (Fig; 2)- surrounding the shaft 42 with one end fastened to the bearing 86 and the other end fixed to the shaft 42, unwinds, and in reversing the dial movement, causes the insulation cam tL'made fast on shaft 83, to open. and close the switch 83 alternately until the dial movement comes to rest. 1 w. I

But should the dialed number be-of greater value than the number wanted .the release of the pawl 18 must come through pushing the button 30, held normally outward by spring 9|, in bearing 92. The extending rod 93 of the button bears on the armature, and when moved forward releases the pawl 18, as the magnet would do when energized to restore the dialing system to zero. At this point it must be notedthat through the sleeve member 34 on the rod, the current ,95 and I25. Tracing the circuit to the remote station from the dial switch 89, are conductor 91, normally open button switch I89, signal lamps 98 and 99, thence through normally closed but- .ton switch I00 connected in series, through conductor IOI to the insulated brush 28" metallic portion of the bar 28", wall 8' and ground 2I8,

thence to the two-motion switches I02 by conductor IOI, in the remote station, where the conductors I08 from the selector I08 of the twomotion switches are. wired to their respective sockets I05 on the insulation frame I08. Connected to each socket is a resistance coil I0'I which is made to extend over to the companion socket I08. Beyond the sockets I08 are the credit account numbers I09 and adjacent thereto are cards IIO bearing the customer's name and address. w

The common, or negative wire I I I leading from the selector has the individual leads II2 (Fig. 3) which are provided with the plugs II 8, designed to plug, into the sockets either side of the resistance coil I01 as shown. The conductor III continues through the two-motion switches to the conductor II5 to the positive side of the I source H8, and from the negative side of source by the conductor I I1, and connecting thereto is the conductor II8, which leads to the brush II8, normally disconnected from the sleeve I20, on rod I2I, fixed to the button I22. The spring I 28, Fig, '1, presses the button outwardly. Leading from the brush I28 the conductor I25, continues to the brush 95, thence to the sleeve 58, to brush I26, and returning to'the switch 89 by conductor I21. This circuit, thus described, electrically controlling the signal lights, two-motion switches and card puncher, is normally open at two points of the circuit, switch 89 and button switch I22.

The switch 89 forms a part of the dialling system and is alternately controlled by the cam 81, Fig. 1, as during the impulsing time or during the time when the finger plate, under pressure of the spiral spring 85, returns to zero.

The button switch I22 normally closes the dial locking circuit for controlling the movement of the dialing mechanism of each unit, which circuit is composed of the brush I28, metallic sleeve I29, brush I80, conductor I8I, brush I28, sleeve I29, brush I80, conductor I82, source I88, conductor I88, magnet I85, conductor I85, magnet I81, conductor I88 and back to the brush I28. This circuit is for the purpose of keeping the armatures I39 away from the recess I, which is peripherally provided on the type wheel 88 and is also the means for releasing the button by being positioned low enough to permit the sleeve I29 to freely pass the angle I88 of the extending arm I82 when the button is actuated. It will therefore be seen that if the button I22 is pushed and held into position to electrically engage the two-motion switches in the central oihce, such action will automatically render all other dialing unit inactive, as shown in No. 1" by dotted lines where the button has been pressed, and in No. 2" by solid lines, where the locking circuit has been broken.

During, the time of the engagement with the two-motion switches the signal lamps I8I' of the locking circuit remain dark and flash up when the circuit is restored as a signal to indicate that the central oillce is disengaged. Independently of this signal, however, as mentioned, all other units would be found inoperative should any attempt be made to dial a credit number.

In pressing the button the locking circuit is not broken until after the sleeve I29 has slightly passed the angle I88, when thereafter the angle is held downward by the sleeve to avoid looking as it would otherwise do, as shown in No. 2, when the armature spring I83 pulls the armature backward to engage the type wheel 88. The angle I88 of the arm I82 of course rises up correspondingly before the sleeve I29 and in this way prevents the button from being pressed inwardly, so that neither the finger plate nor the button may be operated to disturb the circuits of the system during time of engagement with the record board.

Many dialing units may form a part of the dialing system since it takes but two and onehalf seconds to dial a number and receive an approval or disapproval of a customers credit account. The return signal, after the dialing has selectively engaged the right resistance coil IN on the board I06, otherwise identified by the name, number I09, signals back, the kind of signal, on pressing the button I00, according to the position of the plug and socket engagement, as for instance, if the plug II8 engages the socket I05, the resistance I01 in the circuit is shunted. In this case the current is strong enough to energize the two green lamps 98, 99, which will indicate to the salesperson that the account is disapproved. All disapprovals cause the bell I05 to ring which may be followed up by an explanation over a phone by the attendant of the board to the salesperson,

If only one green light flares up after the dialing, as when the plug engages the socket I08, the resistance is thrown in the circuit to reduce the 98 will burn only; this will indicate that the account is approved.

It must be noted that whatever electrical impulses are imparted to the two-motion switches the same number of ,impulses when the switch I58 is closed are also given to the card puncher or through the magnet I52 which is connected to the trunk lines IOI and H5 by the leads I56 and I53, I55 and switch I58. The solenoid I86 cooperating with the impulse magnet I52 of the card puncher is connected to the dialing switch I 85 and is operated by the projecting finger 82' (Fig. 2a) fixed to the shaft 82 ata predetermined time, between the last impulse and where the dial comes to rest. For instance, if'the digit 1 is dialed, the projecting finger is timed to contact with the switch I85 immediately after the impulse takes place or just before the finger plate comes to rest. The projecting finger is designed to forcibly contact with the stud of the switch, similarly as shown in Fig. l by the pawl 22, wherein the swinging tongue 2 I 5 of the finger is resiliently held forward by the spring 2I8 and is made to'freely pass the stud on the switch in dialing a number and to forcibly engage the stud in the reverse motion of the dial, when the solenoid I85 is momentarily energized.

The circuit may be traced from the negative duc'tor I49. Describing the punch-print mechanism in detail: Fig. 5 from the base I51 raises the, standard I58 to support the top plate I59. Adjacent to the standard is the solenoid I48, which is provided with the armature I8I, having the projecting pin I62 and terminating in a forked end I83 in which the arm I84 is loosely saddledunder the cross pin I85.- The arm is pivoted as at point I66, between two supports I81, forming a part of the upper bar I88. Journalled in the bar and actuated by the'arm is the spring depressed plunger I89, which is designed to fit in the hole I18, in the cross plate "I, connecting the bars I and I16, to complete the punching unit. Beneath the bar I88 equally spaced, are the symbols I12. The rear end of the bar joins the two strips I13 and I14 which lead up from the bars I15 and I18. In the outer edges of the bars are the grooves I11; the tongues I18, slidably fitting therein, constitute a portion of the s top plate, forming the edge of the slot I19.

Beneath the bar I16 at the far outer end, are the ratchet teeth I88. They are spaced apart equally and coincidentally with the centers of the symbols I12 and the printed spaces I8I on the strip of paper I82. Loosely mounted on the cross-pin I83 fixed in the forked end of the armature I84, is the trigger I85, and enveloping each side is the loosely mounted forked end of the pawl I86 which is pressed against the ratchet teeth by the spring I81. The pawl has the depending arm I88, and when forced downward out of engagement with the ratchet -teeth by the trigger I also releases the detent I88, causing the punching assembly, through the two spiral springs I89, held fast atone end by the pin I98, while the other end is fastened to the end of the bars. to return to its normal position.

In this manner the bars are normally held backward with respect to the printing and punching line by a distance of one step-up. The drawings show however that the digit 1 has been dialed and that the magnet I52 had advanced the punching assembly by one step.

I The advancing operation which occurs as impulses are received from the dialing mechanism is, accomplished by the intermittent energization of magnet I52, and each time, the armature I84 is actuated to advance the punch print unit one notch of the ratchet bar I18, which is retained by the detent I88. After each such impulse the spring I84 returns the armature to position ready for the next impulse, this continues until the digit dialed has been completely registered.

With reference to Fig. 5, when energized the solenoid I46, in drawing its armature downward against the pressure of thespring I 46' and the air pressure through the control valve I48 contacts, through the projecting pin I82, against the forked end I9I' of the lever I9I, which is rockably supported on the standard I92 for the purpose, when actuated, of imparting a quick upward movement to the rod I93 journalled in the bearing I92 as the forked end I8l" strikes the pin I84 of the rod. The rod carries the head I95 and is shaped to make an impression. on the strip of paper or card I82 of'the type or symbol carried by. the bar "I. An instant later, after the impression has been made, the forked end m um the rear portion of the trigger I88 to trip the pawl I88 and through the depending arm I88 also trips the detent I89. Simultaneously with this movement, the rod I98, carrying .the spring pawl I99 and bearing in the top plate and resiliently held downward by the spring I91, is forced upward, idly, by the lever to adistance or turn of'one and one-fourth tooth of the ratchet.

The bars having been released by the pawl and detent, the spiral springs I89 restores them to their normal position and as the lever I9I drops, the spring I91 expands and causes the rod I98, carryingthe pawl I89, to draw the ratchet I98 around by one step-up motion,.which, in being fixed to the shaft 288, also imparts a like motion to the ribbon drum 28I and the two drivin discs 282 and 288--the whole is supported by the standards 284. y

In this way the ribbonv 288 is .successively moved forward beneath the-guide rollers 285, to present a fresh portion of the ribbon 286 for printing the symbols on the paper strip or card, and at the same time to impart onestep-up motion to. the strip or card along the guide ways 281 on the table. The two discs 288 suitably 'journalled beneath the'table top engage the under part of the paper strip or card directly opposite to the discs .282 and 283. The discs 288, 2I8, and their counter discs beneath the top 'pfate, are of similar construction and design as shown by the numerals 288'.

In practice the customers credit card, having punched holes therein, representing the number of their credit account, is introduced into the holder 6| and clip 33I. The card also shows. in printed form, a corresponding number, and in the lower right-hand corner the signature of the customer. The card may also show certain other signatures designated to sign for credit on the back of the card. The sales person, on noting the signature and prihte number, adapts the second hole in the finger late 48', identifying the number 2, and turns it around until the movable stop 48, controlling the switch 38, arrests the stroke of the finger. At this moment the solenoid 1 acts and causes the digit 2 to be printed on the face of the voucher I1. As

the movement of the contact ball is synchronous- 1y meshed with the movement of the finger plate, the ball at the same time is drawn downward and momentarily stops in the second hole in the card. At this instant the magnet 65 releases the pawl 18 and permits the finger plate, under tension of the spring 85, and controlled by the governor 2I I, for timing the impulses, to return to zero. two-motion switches from the terminals 2" and 2I8 and register in the usual manner. The magnet I52 of the card puncher being multiply connected .with the main conductors also receives the two impulses which causes the puncher assembly to move to the second position on the card. Thus energized, the two-motion switches hold their position, as does the puncher assembly, until the tripping circuit, controlling the solenoid I46, is completed momentarily by the switch I45, just previous to the stoppage of the finger plate or immediately after the last impulse. This action, before being released by the step-up pawl and detent, punches a hole in the card representing the second position, and simultaneously prints the digit 2 on the upper margin of the card, designated by the numeral 2I2. This action also moves the ribbon and card along The impulses are transmitted to the the top plate by one step-up motion for a succeeding dialing, which in this casewould be the digit 4, with the same results, until the selector, having been motivated to the last digit, selects the customer's number or resistance coil on the record board and partly forms the signal circuit which the operator completes by pressing the button I00. Simultaneously with this action, the lamp 98, 'or 98 and 99 together, flares up according to the condition of the record board; one lamp denoting approval; two lamps denoting disapproval of the credit account. The button I00 released the sales person, if desired, then proceeds to dialfor a printed voucher of the sale transaction, which may have a number of columns representing Date, Clerk, Mdse., Amount, or other representations.

Should an error occur in the dialing of a number and the number be less in value than the one intended, the saleslady need only to turn the finger plate around until the ball electrically contacts in the hole in the card when the whole will register and right itself. If the value be greater than the number intended the button 90 must be pressed, when, without disturbing the circuit arrangement, the whole will right itself for anothertrial. The first four numbers dial the credit number which in being carried through the two-motion switch, finally selects the resistance coil or number on the record board, and thereby conditions the dialing circuit for a return answer. The rack bar 28 with the insulation strip 28" serves to break the circuit through two-motion switches after the credit number has been dialed by the insulation strip riding under the brush 28" and thereafter continues to hold only that part of the circuit leading through the puncher mechanism, in order to produce a facsimile record of the dial printed voucher in the form of a punched card of the sale. In this way both the voucher and the card will have the same record of the sale, which may also include returns, exchanges and warehouse receipts". The punched cards may later become a part of a tabulating system for striking a balance. While the drawings show how the two-motion switches and the record board may be actuated during the time when the switch 28" electrically contacts with the metallic portion of the bar 28 of the dialing mechanism, and later, to become inoperative when the switch 28 rides over the insulation 28", leaving, as it does, the punching unit l52-l45 to register; still, the punching unit, too, may also be made inoperative by opening the switch I48, or switches I 48 and I54, when only the credit number is to be dialed and the printed voucher, alone, is wanted in the sending station. Any suitable means, not shown, may be employed to hold the latch H0 away from the recess MI during such period.

Many dialing units, in turn, may successively control a small number of two-motion switches. I accomplish this by a specially designed electrical circuit and a button control, which, in adapting any one of the units for dialing a credit number, renders all other units inoperative as shown. I

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, means at the sending station for making a record of a transaction, including means for transmittingfrom the sending station to the central station impulses constituting a message relating to the transaction, automatically operable means at the central station responsive to the impulses for determining the advisability of completing the transaction, means for transmitting a signal regarding the transaction from the central station to the sending station controlled by the last mentioned means, and means whereby the recording means is automatically disconnected from the central station after a predetermined. series of impulses have been transmitted.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, means at the sending station for making a record of a contemplated transaction, means for transmitting electrical impulses from the sending station to the central station, automatically operable means at the central station responsive to said impulses for determining the advisability of completing the transaction, means controlled by the last mentioned means for indicating at the sending station approval or disapproval of the transaction, and means at the central station for makinga record of the transaction.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a plurality of sending stations, means at each sending station for temporarily rendering all other stations inoperative during operation of a selected sending station, means at a sendingstation for transmitting electrical impulses to the central station, means at the sending station for positively insuring the sending of correct impulses, automatically operable selective means at the central station responsive to received impulses for completing a signaling circuit, and a signal in the signaling circuit energized when the circuit is completed.

4. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, means at the sending station for making a record of a transaction, the recording means having electrically energized operating means and a circuit therefore including a switch, a rotary setting member, a stop for limiting turning of the setting member in one direction and effecting closing of the switch, a credit card holder, a slidable bar shifted by turning of said setting member, a latch for said bar, electrically energized releasing means for said latch having a circuit including the card holder and a feeler carried by said bar and adapted to engage the card holder through openings formed in a credit card, a signal at the sending station, a circuit for said signal having therein adjustable resistances and selector means at the central station and means at the sending station for transmitting electrical impulses to the selector means during retrograde rotation of the setting means to a normal position, and recording means at the central station having electrically energized actuating means and a circuit therefore including a switch adapted to be closed as the setting means rotates towards its normal position.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, a credit card holder at the sending station, a voucher holder, means for imprinting symbols upon a voucher, electrically energized actuating means for said imprinting means having a circuit including a switch, an arm movable across the credit card holder, means for releasably holding the arm in a set position having an electrically energized releasing means included in the first circuit, a credit board at the central station including a plurality of identified resistances, a two-motion switch including a selector provided with leads 6. In an apparatus of the character described,

a sending station, a central station, a credit card holder at the sending station, a voucher holder at the sending station, means for imprinting symbols upon a voucher carried by the voucher holder, electrically energized actuating means for said imprinting means including a switch, setting means for said imprinting means having means associated therewith for closing the switch, a two-motion switch at the central station, means associated with the setting means for transmitting impulses to the two-motion switch and setting the selector thereof, a credit board having resistances associated with the selector and means for selectively rendering the resistances effective, signaling means in the circuit, and means at the sending station for closing the circuit through the signaling means after a resistance of the credit board has been selected.

'7. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, a credit board at the central station including resistances having sockets at their ends, a two-mo-- tion switch at the central station including a selector provided with leads each connected with one end of a companion resistance and a return lead having branches each removably eng'ageable in a socket at a selected end of a companion resistance,'a circuit for said two-motion switch, means at the sending station for making a record of a transaction and transmitting impulses to the two-motion switch for energizing the selector thereof and effecting selection of a resistance, high and low resistance signals in the circuit adapted to be energized according to the position of a branch of the return lead related to a selected resistance of the credit board, and means for closing the circuit after a resistance has been selected and energizing one or both of said signals.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, a plurality of identified resistances at the central station, means at the central station for selecting a predetermined resistance, a circuit for the said means including a switch at the sending station, a rotatable setting member at the sending station, means at the sending station for making a record of a transaction having electrically energized operating means and a circuit therefore including a switch adapted to be momentarily closed when the rotary setting means is turned in one direction, means for intermittently efiecting closing and opening of the first switch during return rotation of the setting means to its normal position and transmitting a predetermined number of electrical impulses to the selecting means of the central station, recording means at the central station having electrically energized actuating. means including a switch at the sendingstation adapted to be closed as the setting member approaches its normal position during return rotation, and a signal at the sending station operatively associated with the resistances and adapted to be energized in accordance with the condition of a selected resistance. 9. In an apparatus 01 the character described, a central station including a board having a plurality of resistances carried thereby and sockets at ends of the resistances, a two-motion switch having a selector associated, therewith and provided with leads each extending to one end of a companion resistance and another lead having branches, each branch being adapted to be engaged in a socket at a selected end of a companion resistance by means to selectively render the resistance active or inactive.

10. In an apparatus '0! the character described, a central station including a board having a plurality of resistances carried thereby, a two-motion switch having a selector operatively associated therewith, leads extending from the selector and each engaged with a companion resistance, and another lead extending from the selector and having a plurality of branches corresponding in number to the resistances and means whereby each branch is adapted to be detachably engaged with a selected end of a companion resistance whereby the resistances may be at will rendered active or inactive.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, a sending station comprising a housing, means for holding a record sheet, a casing over said housing for overlying the record sheet, im-

printing meanscarried by said casing, means for setting said imprinting means, an anvil for pressing the record sheet upwardly against said imprinting means, electrically energized means for shifting the anvil upwardly, and setting means for said imprinting means having means associated therewith'for controlling movementsof the record holding means.

12. In an apparatus'of the character described, a sending station comprising means for holding a record sheet, imprinting means, a rotary shaft mounting said imprinting means over a record sheet, a dial for imparting predetermined rotary movement to said shaft and the imprinting means, an anvil movable under a record sheet towards and away from saidimprinting means, an escapement for controlling movements of the record sheet holder, electrically energized means for actuating the anvil and the escapement having a circuit including a switch, and a stop for limiting turning of said dial constituting means for closing the switch.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, a sending station comprising a record sheet holder shiftably mounted and urged in one direction, an escapement for controlling movements of said holder, an anvil, a lever for moving said anvil, a solenoid having a core adapted to actuate the anvil and the escapement, a circuit for said solenoid including a normally open switch, a die carrier movable over the anvil, and setting means for said die carrier having means associated therewith for closing the switch when the die holder is moved to a set position.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, a sending station comprising a record sheet holder shiftably mounted and urged in one di-. rection, an escapement vfor controlling movements of said holder, an anviL'. operating means for the anvil and the escapement including a solenoid and a switch for closing a circuit for the solenoid, a'credit card holder constituting a stationary contact in the circuit for the solenoida feeler for engaging the card holder through an openinginacardarackbarcarryingsaidieeler the shaft and extending over the anvil, a dial for turning said shaft in one direction, a stop for limiting movement of said dial in the said direction constituting means for closing said switch, means for shifting the rack bar longitudinally when said shaft is turned, a latch for releasably holding the rack bar in a shifted position, and means for moving the latch to a releasing position including an electro-magnet in the circuit and an armature for the magnet.

15. In an apparatus of the character described, a sending station comprising a record sheet holder shiftably mounted and urged in one direction, an escapement for controlling move-' ments of said holder, an anvil, operating means for the anvil and said escapement including a solenoid and a circuit therefore having a normally open switch, 'a rotary shaft, a die holder carried by said shaft and extending over the anvil, ribbon holding spools and a ribbon carried thereby with a portion extending between the die holder and the anvil, means actuated during rotation of said shaft for actuating the ribbon holding spools, a dial, a finger ring carried by said shaft over said dial, a stop for limiting turning of the finger ring in one direction movably mounted and adapted to close the switch when engaged and moved by a finger, a sending switch for transmitting electrical impulses to a central station, and operating means for the sending switch actuated during return of said shaft after the finger ring is released.

16. In an apparatus of the character described, a holder for a credit card having perforations in predetermined locations therein, a movable voucher holder, a feeler movable across the credit card holder adapted to make contact therewith through perforations in a credit card, a latch to releasably secure the feeler in a shifted position, electrically actuated means for moving said latch to a releasing position, imprinting means for forming symbols upon a voucher, an anvil for pressing a voucher against the imprinting means, electrically actuated means for operating said anvil and controlling movements of the voucher holder, means actuated during setting of said imprinting means for energizing the last mentioned means, and means actuated during return of the imprinting means to its normal position for transmitting electrical impulses to a distant station.

17. In an apparatus of the character described,

a table for carrying a record sheet, imprinting means shiftable across the table and having upper and lower arms, the upper arm carrying dies and the lower arm having teeth forming a rack, a punch carried by the upper arm, an operating lever for said punch, means for actuating said lever, means cooperating with the rack bar for imparting movements to the imprinting means and holding the same in a set position, means for pressing a record sheet against the set imprinting means, and means for releasing the imprinting means for returning to its normal position.

18. In an apparatus of the character described, a central station, a sending station, means at the sending station for carrying a voucher, means for recording upon said voucher data relating to a contemplated transaction, means for transmitting electrical impulses from the sending station to the central station, automatically operable means at the central station responsive to said impulses for determining the advisability of completing the transaction, means for indicating at the sending station approval or disapproval of the transaction, means at the sending station for rendering inoperative the impulse responsive means of' the central station after the indication has been made, whereby additional data may be recorded on the voucher, and means at the central station for forming a duplicate record of the-transaction.

19. In a checking system, a calling station and a central station, means at the calling station for making code impulses, a circuit for carrying the impulses to the central station, means at the calling station for positively insuring the making of the impulses in accordance with any given predetermined code, 'code identified return signal circuits and code responsive means at the central station for selecting a return signal circuit corresponding to the given code, and signal means at the calling station for indicating the condition of the selected return signal circuit.

20. In a checking system, a plurality of calling stations and a central station, means at each calling station for making code impulses, a circuit for carrying the impulses to 'the central station, means at each calling station for connecting it to said circuit and simultaneously looking out each and all other calling stations, means at each calling station for positively insuring the making of the code impulses in accordance with any given predetermined code, code identified return signal circuits and code responsive means at the central station for selecting a return signal circuit corresponding to the given code, and signal means at each calling station for indicating the condition of the selected return signal circuit.

21. Ina checking system a plurality of calling stations each having impulse sending means and a central station, a main circuit from the central station, a normally open secondary circuit for each calling station connected to the main circuit, locking means for each impulse sending means, means for closing each secondary circuit having means associated therewith for controlling all of said locking means.

22. In a checking system, a plurality of calling stations each having impulse sending means and a central station, a main circuit from the central station, a secondary circuit from each calling station connected to the main circuit, locking means for each impulse sending means, means for opening and closing each secondary circuit having means associated therewith for controlling all of said locking means.

23. In a checking system, a plurality of calling stations each having impulse sending means and a central station, a main circuit from the central station, a secondary circuit from each calling station connected to the main circuit, locking means for each impulse sending means comprising electro-magnetic means in a common auxiliary circuit, means for opening and closing each secondary circuit having means operable therewith for opening and closing said auxiliary circuit.

,24. In a customer credit checking system, a calling station and a central station, means at the calling station for producing coded impulses in positive accordance with any given customers code, code identified means variable in relation to the corresponding customers credit and code responsive means for selecting the code identified means corresponding to the given customer's code and means automatically indicating at the n calling station the condition of the code identifled means selected.

25. In a credit checking and accounting system, a sending station and a central station, code impulsing and recording means at the sending station and means for limiting the operation of the impulsing and recording means to any selected predetermined multi-digit code, code identified return signal circuit means at the central station, code responsive means at th central station for selecting return signal circuit means, recording means at the central station, and trunk circuit means for transmitting code impulses from the sending station to the code responsive means and the recording means.

26. In a, credit checking and accounting system, a sending station and a central station, manually operated code impulsing means at the sending station, automatic means at the central station for selecting a code identified return signal circuit, positively selective control means for the code impulsing means including a holding device adapted for automatic release when the proper code is given and for manual release in case of error.

27-. In a credit checking and accounting system, a sending station and a central station, manually operated spring return coding means at the sending station, code responsive automatic means at the central station for selecting a code identified return signal circuit, trunk circuit means connecting the central and sending stations, positively selective control means for the coding means including a holding device adapted for automatic release when the proper code is given; and manual release means,

including means for disconnecting the trunk circuit, in case of error.

28. In a communication system, a sending station and a central station, manually operated spring return coding means at the sending station, circuit means between the two stations, positively selective control means at the sending station including a holding device for the coding means adapted for automatic release when the proper code is given and manual release means for the coding means, including disconnecting means lor the between station circuit means, in case of error.

29. In a credit checking and accounting system, a sending station and a central station, code impulsing means and recording means at the sending station and means for limiting the impulsing and recording means to any selected predetermined series 01 coded digits, code identitled return signal circuit means at the central station, code responsive means at the central station for selecting return signal circuit means, recording means at the central station, trunk circuit means for transmiting code impulses from the sending station to the code responsive means and the recording means at the central station, and means associated with the recording and limiting means at the sendingstation for automatically disconnecting the code responsive means from the trunk circuit means whenthe selected predetermined series of coded digits has been completed, whereby subsequently coded digits may be recorded at the central station without affecting the code responsive means.

JOHN P. BUCKLE-Y. 

